JP2004030144A - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device having superior usability and to provide an electronic device allowed to prevent an operator from unintentionally operating the electronic device when the operator's hand errorneously touches a key of the electronic device. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic device comprises: keys operated by the operator; a key depressing determination means determining that the key is depressed; a key depressing time measurement means measuring key depressing time during which the key is depressed; a key effectiveness determination means determining the effectiveness of operation by depressing the key when the key depressing time elapses specified time; and a specified time determination means determining the specified time in accordance with the the state of the electronic device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In conventional electronic devices equipped with soft keys such as hard keys and touch panels, to prevent erroneous detection due to chattering, etc., it is determined that a key has been pressed only when the key has been pressed continuously for a certain period of time I do.
[0003]
Further, depending on a key, when the key is continuously pressed for a longer time than usual, the key is activated. For example, in an electronic device (a facsimile device, a telephone device, or the like) that is used in a state where the power is turned on on a daily basis, if the power key is pressed for a short time, the power is not turned on or off, and the power key is not turned on. When the button is pressed continuously for a long time, the power is turned on or off.
[0004]
Further, in order to prevent the device from inadvertently operating, only the key for starting a predetermined operation is required to have a longer time until it reacts. In addition, it has a character string editing function in which the function of clearing one character operates when the clear key is pressed for a short time, and the function of clearing all characters operates when the clear key is pressed for a long time.
[0005]
As described above, setting the time from when a key is pressed to when it operates to a different length depending on the key is effective in improving the usability of the electronic device.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a method of validating a predetermined key by continuously pressing for a long time is not always convenient for an operator due to multifunctionality of a device, diversification of a use form, and the like.
[0007]
For example, depending on the type and use of the electronic device, it is convenient to operate the power key by pressing it continuously for a long time when the power is turned off, and to operate immediately when the power is turned on. Sometimes it's good.
[0008]
Further, for an operator who uses the power supply on a daily basis in a facsimile apparatus or a telephone apparatus, it is convenient for the operator to operate the power key by continuously pressing the power supply for a long time, but the operator who frequently repeats the power on / off operation. However, there is a problem that long-time continuous pressing is rather troublesome.
[0009]
In addition, due to the structure of the electronic device, keys provided at positions that are easy for the operator to touch can be operated by pressing them continuously for a long time to prevent erroneous operations. When pressed, there is a problem that continuous pressing for a long time is troublesome.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that is more convenient to use.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, the pressing time for determining that the key pressing is valid is changed according to the state of the electronic device.
[0012]
Embodiments and Examples of the Invention
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus FS1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013]
The facsimile apparatus FS1 is an apparatus having a copy function of copying a read image and a scan function of connecting to a PC (personal computer) and loading the read image into the PC, and is an example of an electronic device.
[0014]
The facsimile apparatus FS1 includes a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage memory 4, an external display unit 5, an operation panel 6, a speaker 7, a MODEM (modem) 8, an NCU 9, and a PSTN line (an analog public line). Network) 10, an image processing unit 11, a scanner 12, a printer formatter 13, a printer 14, a PCi / f 15, and a PC connection line 16.
[0015]
The CPU 1 is a system control unit and controls the entire facsimile machine FS1. The ROM 2 stores a control program for the CPU. The RAM 3 is composed of an SRAM or the like, and stores program control variables and the like, and also stores various set values such as a transmission destination telephone number registered by an operator, management data of the apparatus, and various work buffers.
[0016]
The storage memory 4 includes a DRAM or the like, and stores image data. The external display unit 5 notifies the user of the display using an LCD, an LED, or the like. The operation panel 6 includes a keyboard, a touch panel, and the like, and an operator performs various input operations. The speaker 7 notifies and warns the operator by voice, and monitors the communication sound transmitted and received through the PSTN line 10.
[0017]
A MODEM (modem) 8 modulates and demodulates facsimile transmission and reception signals. The NCU 9 sends a selection signal (dial pulse or tone dialer) to the PSTN line (analog public line network) 10 and also performs an automatic call receiving operation by detecting a call signal. The image processing unit 11 performs a correction process on the read image data to generate high-definition image data.
[0018]
The scanner 12 includes a CS image sensor, a document transport mechanism, and the like, optically reads a document, and converts the document into electrical image data. When printing file data from an external device such as a PC, the printer formatter 13 analyzes a printer description language and converts it into image data.
[0019]
The printer 14 is a device that records a received image and file data on recording paper. The PCi / f 15 is an interface for connecting a PC via a PC connection line 16 and, by connecting to the PC, can transmit and receive image data and various setting data to and from the PC.
[0020]
The facsimile apparatus FS1 can be used alone as an image copying apparatus by printing an image read by the scanner 12 with the printer 14. Further, by connecting to a PC via a PC connection line, it can be used as an image reading device (scanner) and an image forming device (printer) as peripheral devices of the PC.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of an operation panel provided in the facsimile machine FS1.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel of the facsimile machine FS1 includes a power key for turning off and on the power, a copy mode key / fax mode key / scan mode key for shifting to each mode of copy / fax / scan. , A ten key for inputting a telephone number, a user name, etc., a one-touch key for designating a pre-registered destination with one touch, a start key for instructing start of an operation such as image reading, and a state of the facsimile apparatus FS1. An LCD is provided.
[0023]
When the power is turned off by pressing the power key, the facsimile apparatus FS1 stops supplying power to the printer 14, the scanner 12, the external display unit 5, and the like, but supplies power to the minimum necessary parts such as the CPU 1, the operation panel 6, and the like. Move to the state where is performed. In the above embodiment, a state in which power is supplied to the minimum necessary portion is referred to as power-off, and a state in which power is supplied to the entire facsimile apparatus FS1 is referred to as power-on.
[0024]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the facsimile apparatus FS1 when detecting a general key press.
[0025]
When this process is started for the first time, the key has not been pressed.
[0026]
First, in S11, an initial value 0 is set to a variable n. Here, n is a variable that takes a value of a natural number.
[0027]
Next, in S12, the process waits for 10 ms (millisecond). Subsequently, in S13, it is determined whether or not the key is in a pressed state. If it is determined that the key is not in the pressed state, the process returns to S11. In S11, the initial value 0 is set again in n, and after waiting for 10 ms, it is determined again whether or not the key is in the pressed state (S13).
[0028]
The reason for waiting for 10 ms in S12 is to prevent the processing of S13 from being performed continuously. That is, it is determined at a time interval of 10 ms whether or not the key is pressed.
[0029]
In S13, if it is determined that the key is in the pressed state, 1 is added to n (S14), and it is determined whether n is less than 5 (S15). If n is less than 5, the process returns to S12. That is, after waiting for 10 ms, it is determined again whether the key is in the pressed state (S13). In S15, if it is determined that n is not less than 5, it is determined that the key press is valid (S16), and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 ends. Although the subsequent processing is not shown in the flowchart, an operation corresponding to the key depression is performed.
[0030]
According to the method shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, it is detected whether or not the key is pressed at intervals of 10 ms, and when the key is pressed five times in succession, the key pressing is effective. Judge. Since it is physically impossible for the operator to repeatedly press and depress the key at intervals of 10 ms or less, the fact that the key has been pressed five times continuously means that the key has been continuously pressed for at least about 40 ms. It can be said that the key was in the pressed state.
[0031]
That is, although the number is counted in the flowchart, the time during which the key is pressed substantially continuously is measured.
[0032]
As described above, the process of validating a key for the first time when the key is pressed continuously for a certain period of time is a method generally used to prevent erroneous detection due to chattering or the like. Since the interval of 40 ms is very short for human beings, the operator does not feel that the key is kept pressed for a certain period of time, and the key is valid just by pressing the key for a moment.
[0033]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation in the case of detecting the pressing of the power key in the above embodiment.
[0034]
At the start of this process, the power key has not been pressed.
[0035]
First, in S21, it is determined whether or not the facsimile machine FS1 is in a power-on state. If it is determined that the facsimile apparatus FS1 is in the power-on state, an initial value 50 is set to a variable N used for comparison with n later (S22). If it is determined that the facsimile machine FS1 is in the power-off state, the initial value 5 is set to the variable N (S23).
[0036]
After the initial value is set to the variable N in S22 and S23, the initial value 0 is set to the variable n in S24. Here, n and N are variables that take values of natural numbers.
[0037]
After the initial value 0 is set to the variable n in S24, the process waits for 10 ms in S25, and determines in S26 whether the power key is in a pressed state. If it is determined that the power key is not in the pressed state, the process returns to S24. That is, in S24, the initial value 0 is set again in n, and after waiting for 10 ms, in S26, it is determined again whether the power key is in the pressed state.
[0038]
If it is determined in S26 that the power key is in the pressed state, 1 is added to n in S27, and in S28, it is determined whether n is smaller than N. If n is smaller than N, the process returns to S25. That is, after waiting for 10 ms, in S26, it is determined again whether the power key is in the pressed state. If it is determined in S28 that n is equal to or greater than N, it is determined in S29 that pressing the power key is valid, and the processing of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4 ends.
[0039]
Subsequent processing is not shown in the flowchart, but if the facsimile machine FS1 is in the power-on state, the processing shifts to the power-off state, and if the power is off, the processing shifts to the power-on state.
[0040]
When the power of the facsimile apparatus FS1 is turned on by the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the power key may be pressed for a moment, and when the power is turned off, the power key is continuously pressed for about 0.5 seconds. You just need to press it. In order to prevent the power on and the power off from being repeated continuously, it is not necessary to execute the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 again until the power key is once depressed.
[0041]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation for detecting pressing of the set key when the facsimile apparatus FS1 is in the setting mode.
[0042]
When this processing is started for the first time, the set key has not been pressed. The operation shown in this flowchart is almost the same as the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0043]
First, in S31, an initial value 0 is set to a variable n. Here, n is a variable that takes a value of a natural number. Next, in S32, the process waits for 10 ms (millisecond). Subsequently, in S33, it is determined whether or not the set key is in a pressed state. If it is determined that the set key is not in the pressed state, the process returns to step S31. In S31, the initial value 0 is set again to n, and after waiting for 10 ms, in S33, it is determined again whether or not the key is in the pressed state.
[0044]
If it is determined in S33 that the key is in the pressed state, 1 is added to n in S34, and it is determined in S35 whether n is less than 5. If n is less than 5, the process returns to step S32. That is, after waiting for 10 ms, in S33, it is determined again whether the key is in the pressed state. If it is determined in S35 that n is not less than 5, it is determined that the key depression is valid, and in S36, the mode shifts to the copy standby mode.
[0045]
By the above processing, when the set key is pressed for a very short time in the setting mode, the mode shifts to the copy standby mode.
[0046]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation when the facsimile machine FS1 detects the key press of the start key.
[0047]
At the start of this process, the start key has not been pressed.
[0048]
First, in S41, it is determined whether the facsimile machine FS1 is in the setting mode. The “setting mode” is a mode in which the operator sets print quality, reading density, and the like.
[0049]
7 and 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the external display unit 5 provided in the facsimile machine FS1.
[0050]
The “copy standby mode” is a state in which various setting values for copying are displayed in the setting mode. In the copy standby mode, the LCD display shown in FIG. 7 is performed, and the operator normally presses the start key in this state to instruct the start of the copy operation.
[0051]
In the setting mode, the LCD display shown in FIG. 8 is performed. Normally, the operator presses the start key from this state and instructs to start copying. However, even in the setting mode, the start key is pressed. If so, the copying operation is started. In the facsimile apparatus FS1, when the menu key is pressed in the copy standby mode, the mode shifts to the setting mode. After various settings are made in the setting mode, the mode is shifted to the copy standby mode by pressing the set key.
[0052]
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, in S41, if it is determined that the facsimile machine FS1 is in the setting mode, an initial value 20 is set to a variable N used for comparison with n later (S42). If it is determined that the facsimile machine FS1 is in the copy standby mode, an initial value 5 is set to a variable N (S43). In step S42 or S43, after the initial value is set to the variable N, the initial value 0 is set to the variable n (S44). Here, n and N are variables that take values of natural numbers.
[0053]
In S44, after the initial value 0 is set in the variable n, in S45, the process waits for 10 ms. In S46, it is determined whether or not the start key is in a pressed state. If it is determined that the start key is not in the pressed state, the process returns to S44. That is, in S44, the initial value 0 is set again in n, and after waiting for 10 ms, it is determined again whether or not the start key is pressed (S46).
[0054]
In S46, if it is determined that the start key is in the pressed state, 1 is added to n (S47), and it is determined whether n is smaller than N (S48). If n is smaller than N, the process returns to step S45. That is, after waiting for 10 ms, it is determined again whether the start key is in the pressed state (S46). If it is determined in S48 that n is equal to or greater than N, it is determined that pressing the start key is valid (S49), and the processing of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6 ends. Subsequent processing, not shown in the flowchart, starts a copy operation.
[0055]
When the operator wants to start the copy operation in the copy standby mode according to the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the operator only needs to momentarily press the start key. It is sufficient to press the start key continuously for seconds. Conversely, in the setting mode, even if the start key is touched by mistake, the copying operation is not started unless the pressed time reaches approximately 0.2 seconds.
[0056]
According to the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the facsimile apparatus FS1, when a copy operation is desired to be performed in the setting mode, the set key is pressed for a short time and then the start key is pressed for a short time. And a method of pressing the start key for a long time. That is, key operations for performing a desired operation by pressing the start key for a long time can be reduced.
[0057]
The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 are operation examples in which a fixed value is substituted for the variable N. However, an arbitrary value may be set in advance for the variable N by the operator.
[0058]
Further, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the number of times the start key is pressed in the setting mode is stored for a certain period of time, and if the stored number exceeds a predetermined value, the value of N is reduced, such as decreasing the value of N. May be variable. By using this method, usability is improved for an operator who frequently presses the start key in the setting mode.
[0059]
Note that the above operation is executed by the CPU 1 based on a program stored in the ROM 2 or the RAM 3. The data may be stored and read by a dedicated data reading device into an information processing device such as a computer or a facsimile device, and may be executed by the CPU 1.
[0060]
Although the above-described embodiment is a general facsimile apparatus, for example, an electronic apparatus such as a copy apparatus, a printer apparatus, a scanner, a telephone, and a communication apparatus, or a device control in an information processing apparatus such as a computer may be similarly used. Can be applied.
[0061]
According to the above embodiment, the pressing time for determining that the key pressing is valid can be changed according to the status of the electronic device. For example, it is possible to provide an electronic device in which a key reacts instantaneously when the power is turned on, but when the power is turned off, the power is not turned off unless the power key is continuously pressed for a predetermined time.
[0062]
Further, according to the above-described embodiment, in a situation where the start key is not normally used, by increasing the time until the start key is determined to be valid, if a hand accidentally touches the key, It is possible to prevent the electronic device from operating without the operator's intention.
[0063]
Further, according to the above embodiment, by effectively using the key for a long time, the operation can be shortened in a manner that is easy for the operator to understand, and the usability is improved.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the pressing time for determining that a key press is valid is changed depending on the state of the electronic device, so that there is an effect that the usability of the electronic device is more excellent, and the hand is mistakenly applied to the key. This has the effect of preventing the operator from unintentionally operating the device when touched. Furthermore, by effectively using the key for a long time, the operation can be shortened in a manner that is easy for the operator to understand. This has the effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile machine FS1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of an operation panel provided in the facsimile machine FS1.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the facsimile apparatus FS1 when a general key press is detected.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation in the case of detecting a key press of a power key in the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of detecting pressing of a set key when the facsimile machine FS1 is in a setting mode.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the facsimile apparatus FS1 when detecting a key press of a start key.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an external display unit 5 provided in the facsimile machine FS1.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an external display unit 5 provided in the facsimile machine FS1.
[Explanation of symbols]
FS1: facsimile machine,
1 ... CPU,
2 ... ROM,
3 ... RAM,
4 ... storage memory,
5 external display unit,
6. Operation panel,
7 Speaker,
8… MODEM,
9 ... NCU,
10 PSTN line (analog public line network),
11 image processing unit,
12 ... Scanner,
13. Printer formatter
14. Printer,
15 PCi / f,
16 PC connection line.

Claims (5)

Keys operated by the operator;
Key press determining means for determining that the key is pressed;
Key pressing time measuring means for measuring a key pressing time during which the key is pressed;
Key validity determining means for determining that the operation by pressing the key is valid when the key pressing time exceeds a predetermined time;
Predetermined time determining means for determining the predetermined time according to a state of the electronic device;
An electronic device comprising: In claim 1,
One of the keys is a power key for turning on and off the electronic device;
The key validity determining means determines that the operation by pressing the power key is valid when the key pressing time measured by the key pressing time measuring means elapses a first time when the power key is on. On the other hand, if the power key is off, if the key pressing time measured by the key pressing time measuring means elapses a second time different from the first time, the operation by the power key pressing is performed. An electronic device, which is a means for determining that is effective. In claim 2,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second time is shorter than the first time. In claim 1,
The electronic device is an image reading device,
One of the above keys is a start key for instructing to start reading an image,
The electronic device has a first standby state and a second standby state,
The key validity determining means, when the key pressing determining means determines that the start key is pressed, measures the key pressing time measuring means if the electronic device is in the first standby state. It is determined that the operation by pressing the start key is valid when the given key pressing time has passed the first time. On the other hand, if the electronic device is in the second standby state, the key pressing time is determined. An electronic device for determining that the operation by pressing the start key is valid when the key pressing time measured by the measuring unit has passed a second time different from the first time. . In claim 1,
A first key and a second key,
The states of the electronic device are at least two states of a first standby state and a second standby state,
When the electronic device is in the first standby state, when the key press determining means determines that the first key is in the pressed state, when the key press time elapses the first time, a predetermined time is elapsed. When the electronic device is in the second standby state, when the key press determining means determines that the second key is in the pressed state, the key pressing time is the second time. After the elapse of time 1, the process shifts to the first standby state,
Further, when the electronic device is in the second standby state, the key pressing time is longer than the first time when the key pressing determining means determines that the first key is in the pressing state. An electronic device, wherein the predetermined operation is started when a second time has elapsed.

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